Housing construction for cookers



April 1966 cs. D. MOGLAUGHLIN 3,244,163

HOUSING CONSTRUCTION FOR COOKERS Filed March 11, 1964 IN VEN TOR.

GEORGE DONALD MCGLAUGHLIN BY MOSES, meLEw a TOREN United States Patent 3,244,163 HOUSING CONSTRUCTION FOR COOKERS George Donald McGlaughlin, 896 Oradell Ave, Oradell, NJ. Filed Mar. 11, 1964, Ser. No. 350,965 6 Claims. (Cl. 126-25) This invention relates in general to housing construction for cookers such as simulated charcoal gas burners, and in particular to a new and useful gas cooker including a housing adapted to be rotatably mounted on a mounting pole through which gas is supplied, and to an improved cover construction therefor.

The present invention is particularly concerned with the housing construction and cover of a gas cooker which is adapted to be associated with an upright pole through which the cooking gas is supplied, and it is an improvement over prior art devices, inter alia, in the provision of a housing which carries the gas burner which may be easily positioned and then supported upon the upright gas supply pipe. The housing is advantageously made substantially block-shaped and includes a sleeve portion on its bottom which permits the whole housing to be rotatably mounted I on the upright gas supply pipe.

A further feature of the construction is the provision of a removable cover having a construction which permits it to be mounted on the housing in one or more of a plurality of utilitarian positions. The housing for the gas burner includes means for adjustably positioning grates for the food to be cooked above the burner portion contained within the housing and above a grate adapted to contain simulated charcoal. The housing is substantially block-shaped and includes a rectangular cutout front portion which provides an opening for easy access to the grates and the charcoal and the gas burner. The cover member for the housing advantageously is of substantially L-shaped configuration and includes a first flat wall which may be arranged to completely cover the top of the housing and a second wall, connected to the first wall at a right angle thereto, which may be arranged to completely cover the rectangular front opening of the housing when the cover is arranged in a position for closing the housing for storage purposes. The cover advantageously includes a substantially L-sectioned flange formed at the lower extremity of the second wall and side connecting webs between the second wall and the first wall which permits the cover to be oriented in one or more of a plurality of positions on the housing. For example, the cover may be positioned so that the second wall is anchored to extend upwardly from the back wall of the housing by the en gagement of the projecting fianges lower end and by positioning the web side portions so that they rest on an upper flange formation of the housing. With the cover in such a position it functions as a windshield and protecting overhead or top, which top is spaced upwardly from the top of the open housing to provide easy access to the housing. After cooking is accomplished, the cover may be oriented to serve as a tray, and in this respect it may be positioned on either the front, side or the back of the housing and may be oriented either in an upright or in an inverted position with the first wall forming a tray base.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved cooking device including a housing which is adapted to be pivotally mounted on a supporting pole.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cooking device which includes a housing for containing a combustion means such as a gas burner, charcoal or the like in the lower portion with grates positioned thereabove in adjustable positions, and wherein the housing includes a front panel having an upper portion which is opened and 3,244,163 Patented Apr. 5, 196 6 has an open top, and including a cover for the housing of a configuration to close the top and the open portion of the front panel, which cover may be mounted on the housing in one of a plurality of positions for serving as a windshield, protective cover, and serving tray.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved cooking device which includes a housing with grates positioned above a gas burner for cooking foods, which housing may be rotatably positioned upon an upright supporting pole having a gas supply connection, and which further includes a removable cover element which may be connected to the housing in one of a plurality of positions, providing different utility in each position.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cooking device which is simple in design, rugged in construction and economical to manufacture.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a gas burning barbecue or cooking device constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a section taken on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary section indicating the interlocking engagement of the cover with the housing;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the cover in an inverted position serving as a front tray;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the cover in an inverted position serving as a rear tray;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cooker indicating the cover in a position serving as a side tray; and

FIG. 7 indicates the cooker with the cover in a'solid line position closing the top of the housing and in a dotted line position closing both the top and front opening of the housing.

Referring to the drawings in particular, the invention embodied therein comprises a cooker or barbecue'housing generally designated 10 which is of substantially block-shaped configuration in the embodiment illustrated. The housing 10 includes a bottom wall 12 having a depending cylindrical flange 14 which is adapted to be positioned around an upright stanchion or pole 16. The housing 10 is supported by an inwardly projecting lip 20 which abuts against the top of the pole 16.

In the embodiment illustrated, the cooker 10 is of a type using a gas which is supplied through the pipe 16 via a gas pipe 18 which is contained therein. After the housing 10 is positioned on the pole 16, a gas burner 22 is located within the housing and has a depending portion which extends into the upper open end of the gas pipe 18. The burner 22 is rotatably fitted in the gas pipe 18 and connected by a so-called slip fit burner to the valve connection. The supply of gas through the pipe 18 is controlled by the rotation of a key 24 which extends through the pipe 16.

With gas barbecuing or cooking devices of this nature it is usual to mount a grate 25 above the burner 22 and a layer of ceramic charcoal pieces 26 are positioned on the grate.

The housing 10 advantageously includes two adjustable grate elements 28 and 30 which may be independently positioned at one or more of a plurality of selected elevations. For this purpose each grate includes a rod element 30 which may be inserted into one of a plurality of openings 32 defined on each of the housing end walls 34 and 36 and back wall 38. In addition, the grates may v be positioned in an inclined manner, as the grate 30 indi- 34 and 36 are provided with a slot 37 and openings 39 for'receiving each end of a rotatable supporting spit therein.

In accordance with the invention, a substantially rectangular front wall 42 has its upper portion cut away to provide an opening 43 for ready access to the grates 28 and 30 as well as to the burner 22 and charcoal 26 Within the housing 10. The top of the housing 10 is open, and both the complete top opening and the opening 43 defined at the upper end of the front may be closed by means of a novelly constructed cover generally designated 44.

The cover 44 includes a first wall or flat wall 46 and a side wall or second Wall 48 which is connected thereto at substantially a right angle. The walls 46 and 48 are braced at each end by connecting elements 50 and 52. A flange 54 of substantially L-shaped configuration or section is defined at the free end of the second wall portion 48. The cover 44 thus constructed provides many utilitarian functions.

As indicated in FIGS. 1-3, the cover 44 may be oriented so that the flange 54 engages under a top flange or lip 56 defined around the top back edge and the top side edges of the housing It). In the position indicated, the side webs 50 and 52 of the cover 44 overlie the flanges 56 and the bottom edge thereof abuts against the flanges to support the cover in the upright position indicated. In this position the first wall 46 is spaced upwardly from the top of the housing 10 leaving a very I verted and the undersurface of the wall 46 projects outwardly from the front of the housing 10 and provides a serving tray.

In the orientation indicated in FIG. 5, the cover 44 is positioned such that the wall 48 lies flush against the rear wall 38 of the housing 10 and the flange 54 engages around the flange 56 formed at the upper edge of the top or rear wall 38. In this manner the first wall 46 projects outwardly from the rear of the housing 10 to provide a serving tray at such location.

In FIG. 6 the cover 44 is oriented such that the flange 54 is engaged around the flange 56 on the upper end of the side wall 34. In order to orient the cover 44 so that the first wall 46 projects outwardly from a side of the housing 19, it is necessary to provide notches 60 at spaced locations along the length of the wall 48 to clear the intersection of the rear wall 38 of the housing 10. In a similar manner the cover 44 may be oriented for connection to the side wall 36.

' In FIG. 7 the cover 44 is indicated with the first wall portion 46 closing the top of the housing 10, as indicated in solid lines. In the dotted line indication the cover 44 is shown completely closing the top of the housing 46 as well as the opening formed above the front wall 42. The cover is placed :in' such a position when the housing 10 is removed from the pole 16 and the housing 10 is stored.

Thus, it can be seen that a cooking device is provided which includes a cover which may be oriented in any one of a plurality of positions to serve one or more useful functions. In accordance with the invention, the housing with the cooking device is such that it may be easily positioned on a supporting pole and freely rotated thereon. The device is particularly applicable for use as a gas-type cooker in which case a burner may be positioned within the housing and aligned with a connecting gas pipe arranged to run through the supporting pole. The cover may be oriented to function as a windshield, a cover for one or more portions of the housing, or to serve as a tray for supporting dishes and food condiments. A further feature is that the housing includes a depending sleeve permitting it to be rotatably mounted on a supporting pole. The cover is constructed in a novel manner so that, in addition to its function as a windshield and a fixed supporting tray, it may also be employed as a portable serving tray. The construction includes two grate elements which may be separately mounted at selected elevations or inclined for collecting grease from cooking meats. The housing further includes means for supporting a rod or spit member for holding food for rotation above the cooking flame.

The housing and the tray are advantageously made of a metal construction with a porcelain finish, permitting the parts to be easily cleaned.

While a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the inventive principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

In the claims:

1. A cooking device comprising a housing with a top opening and a front opening adjacent the upper portion thereof, and a cover member for said housing comprising a fiat first wall and a second wall connected to said first wall and extending at substantially right angles thereto, a web member at each end of said first and second walls interconnecting said walls, said second wall having a flange formed at its outer edge, said housing having a flange defined around the top opening, said cover being of a dimension to close said top opening when said first wall member is positioned thereover, and also the opening in the front of said housing when said second wall member is positioned thereover, said cover member also being adapted to be positioned as a windshield with the flange portion of said second wail member engage-d in the flange of said housing adjacent the rear edge thereof and with the web members supported on the flanges of said housing on the sides thereof.

2. A cooking device, paiticularly a gas cooker, comprising .a substantially block-shaped housing adapted to contain means in the lower portion for sustaining high temperature coo-king gases, said block-shaped housing having substantially rectangular side and rear walls and having a front wall of less height than the end side and rear walls leaving a central front opening at the upper portion of the front of said housing, each of said side, rear and front walls having inwardly extending flanges defined adjacent the top edges thereof, and a cover having a first flat wall dimensioned to cover the top of said housing and a second flat wall connected thereto and extending substantially at right angles thereto, said second flat wall being dimensioned to cover the front opening of said housing and having a flange adjacent its outer end, at least one web member connected between said first and second walls of said cover and terminating at a spaced location from the flange of said second wall in a flat supporting edge, said cover adapted to be selectively positioned in one of the following positions: with said first wall completely covering the top opening and said second wall completely covering the opening in said front of said housing; with the second wall extending upwardly from the rear wall of said housing and with the first wall extending outwardly above the top of said housing, the flange of said second wall being engaged in the top flange of said rear wall with the web resting on a flange of an associated side wall of said housing; with the second wall laying in juxtaposition with one of the side front and rear walls and with the flange engaged around the top flange of the respective wall and with the first wall of said cover extending outwardly from said housing and defining a supporting tray.

3. A cooking device, particularly a gas cooker, for use in association with an upright pole through which cook ing gas is supplied, comprising a substantially blockshaped housing adapted to contain means in the lower portion for sustaining high temperature cooking gases, said block-shaped housing having substantially rectangular side and rear walls and having a front wall of less height than the side and rear walls leaving a central front opening at the upper portion of said housing, each of said side, rear and front walls having inwardly extending flanges defined adjacent the top edges thereof, and a cover having a first flat wall dimensioned to cover the top of said housing and a second flat wall connected thereto and extending substantially at right angles thereto, said second flat wall being dimensioned to cover the front opening of said housing and having a flange adjacent its outer end, at least one web member connected between said first and second walls of said cover and terminating at a spaced location from the flange of said second wall in a flat supporting edge, said cover adapted to be selectively positioned in one of the following positions: with said first wall completely covering :the top opening and said second wall completely covering the opening in said front of said housing; with the second wall extending upwardly from the rear wall of said housing and with the first wall extending outwardly above the top of said housing, the flange of said second wall being engaged in the top flange of said rear wall with the web resting on a flange of an associated side wall of said housing; with the second wall laying in juxtaposition with one of the side front and rear walls and with the flange engaged around the top flange of the respective wall and with the first wall extending outwardly from said housing and defining a supporting tray; said housing having a sleeve extending downwardly from the bottom thereof and having an opening for receiving a gas connection in said upright pole, said sleeve being adapted to be positioned around said pole for supporting said housing over said pole.

4. A cooking device according to claim 3, including means for adjustably supporting grates within said housing at selected elevations for holding food to be cooked therein.

5. A cooking device, particularly a gas cooker, for use in association with an upright pole through which cooking gas is supplied, comprising a substantially blockshaped housing adapted to contain means in the lower portion for sustaining high temperature cooking gases, said block-shaped housing having substantially rectangular side and rear walls and having a front wall of less height than the side and rear walls leaving a central front opening at the upper portion of said housing, each of said side, rear and front walls having inwardly extending flanges defined adjacent the top edges thereof, and a cover having a first flat wall dimensioned to cover the top of said housing and a second flat wall connected thereto and extending substantially at right angles thereto, said second flat wall being dimensioned to cover the front opening of said housing and having a flange adjacent its outer end, at least one web member connected between said first and second walls of said cover and terminating at a spaced location from the flange of said second wall in a flat supporting edge, said cover adapted to be selectively positioned in one of the following positions: with said first wall completely covering the top opening and said second wall completely covering the opening in said front of said housing; with the second wall extending upwardly from the rear wall of said housing and with the first wall extending outwardly above the top of said housing, the flange of said second wall being engaged in the top flange of said rear wall with the web resting on a flange of an associated side wall of said housing; with the second wall laying in juxtaposition with one of the side front and rear walls and with the flange engaged around the top flange of the respective wall and with the first wall extending outwardly from said housing and defining a supporting tray, said housing having a sleeve extending downwardly from the bottom thereof and having an opening for receiving a gas connection in said upright pole, said sleeve being adapted to be positioned around said pole for supporting said housing over said pole, a burner positioned in said housing adjacent the bottom thereof having a connection extending through the opening of said housing for connection to a gas supply.

6. A cooking device according to claim 5, including means for supporting ceramic charcoal elements in said housing above said gas burner.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS FREDERICK KETTERER, Primary Examiner. 

1. A COOKING DEVICE COMPRISING A HOUSING WITH A TOP OPENING AND A FRONT OPENING ADJACENT THE UPPER PORTION THEREOF, AND A COVER MEMBER FOR SAID HOUSING COMPRISING A FLAT FIRST WALL AND A SECOND WALL CONNECTED TO SAID FIRST WALL AND EXTENDING AT SUBSTANTIALLY RIGHT ANGLES THERETO, A WEB MEMBER AT EACH END OF SAID FIRST AND SECOND WALLS INTERCONNECTING SAID WALLS, SAID SECOND WALL HAVING A FLANGE FORMED AT ITS OUTER EDGE, SAID HOUSING HAVING A FLANGE DEFINED AROUND THE TOP OPENING, SAID COVER BEING OF A DIMENSION TO CLOSE SAID TOP OPENING WHEN SAID FIRST WALL MEMBER IS POSITIONED THEREOVER, AND ALSO THE OPENING IN THE FRONT OF SAID HOUSING WHEN SAID SECOND WALL MEMBER IS POSITIONED THEREOVER, SAID COVER MEMBER ALSO BEING ADAPTED TO BE POSITIONED AS A WINDSHIELD WITH THE FLANGE 